Prachinkrut Stavanavali Ane Aatmsadhna Sangraha - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachinkrut Stavanavali Ane Aatmsadhna Sangraha" by Ratilal B. Shah Master, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Prachinkrut Stavanavali Ane Aatmsadhna Sangraha Author: Ratilal B. Shah Master Publisher: Ratilal B. Shah Master Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032184/1

Overall Scope:

The book appears to be a compilation of Jain devotional hymns (Stavans) and a collection focused on self-attainment or spiritual practice (Aatmsadhna). It includes a biography of a devout Jain woman, Manekben Amulkhbhai, and a significant portion dedicated to Jain philosophical and practical texts, particularly the "Chausaran Payanna" (four refuges) and "Aaur Pachhakhana Payanna" (fasting and renunciation rules).

Key Sections and Content:

Introduction and Publisher Information (Pages 1-2):
- The book is titled "Shri Prachinkrut Stavanavali Ane Aatmsadhna Sangraha" (Ancient Devotional Hymns and Collection for Self-Attainment).
- It is published by Master Ratilal B. Shah, located in Khetarpal Ni Pol, Ahmedabad.
- The printing was done by Veer Vijay Printing Press, Ahmedabad.
- There is a note emphasizing the importance of respecting the book and not treating it carelessly.
Biography of Manekben Amulkhbhai (Pages 3-11):
- This section details the life of Manekben Amulkhbhai, daughter-in-law of Amulkhbhai Chhaganlal.
- Amulkhbhai Chhaganlal is described as a simple, religious, and literary-minded individual who used his wealth for good deeds. He was instrumental in building a temple at the station and an Upashray (residence for monks and nuns) in Pansar.
- Manekben Amulkhbhai was born in VS 1941 (VE 2411).
- She received religious upbringing in her in-laws' family and diligently practiced vows, chanting, austerities, and devotion to the Jinas and Gurus.
- The text lists her significant religious contributions, including:
  - Commissioning paintings of Ashtapadji and Shikharji on marble in Rajnagar.
  - Installing statues of Mahavir Swami and performing a communal feast.
  - Donating for a perpetual lamp (Akhand Diwo) of Rs. 2000.
  - Organizing Ayambil Oli (a specific type of fasting) with a feast.
  - Offering a jeweled necklace during the Angi (adornment) ceremony of a deity.
  - Commissioning paintings of Meru Parvat in Adhyatma.
  - Constructing a temple in Kashipur Chandra-puri to house a statue of Shantinath.
  - Constructing a temple on Ratnagiri mountain in Rajgrihi for a deity.
  - Donating to temples in Ishari near Giladi, and in Ganadhar.
  - Offering a flag at Shankheshwarji.
  - Donating a room as a Dharamshala (religious guesthouse) in Gujara.
- Her pilgrimage and austerity list includes undertaking the Naroda Sangh, traveling to Siddhagiri with Ekana Tap, visiting Shikharji twice, feeding four Sangh (groups of pilgrims) in one day, visiting Kesariyaji, Taranga-ji, and Nani Marwad multiple times, and undertaking annual pilgrimes to Siddhagiri. She also performed various austerities like Atthai, reciting 45 Agams, and performing Ujamna (celebratory rituals).
Chausaran Payanna (Four Refuges) (Pages 12-28):
- This section is presented with its meaning in Gujarati.
- It explains the six essential daily practices (Avashyaks) of Jainism:
  - Samayik (equanimity) – to abstain from sinful activities.
  - Chovvis(thah) (praise of Tirthankaras) – to praise the virtues of the 24 Tirthankaras.
  - Vandan (obeisance) – to venerate virtuous Gurus.
  - Pratikraman (atonement) – to confess and repent for transgressions.
  - Kaussarga (standing in meditation) – to cure oneself of the spiritual ailments that afflict the soul.
  - Pachkhan (vows/renunciation) – to uphold virtues.
- The text elaborates on how each Avashyak purifies aspects of Jain practice, such as Charitra (conduct), Darshanachara (conduct of faith), and Gyanachara (conduct of knowledge).
- It describes the fourteen auspicious dreams seen by the mothers of Tirthankaras.
- The central theme of this section is seeking refuge in the "Four Refuges": Arihant (Tirthankaras), Siddha (liberated souls), Sadhu (monks), and Dharma (Jain teachings).
- It extensively praises the Arihants, highlighting their qualities like destroying Raga (attachment) and Dwesha (aversion), overcoming enemies like Karma and Kashaya (passions), achieving Kevala Gyan (omniscience), being worshipped by celestial beings and kings, and their role in teaching Dharma.
- It similarly praises the Siddhas, emphasizing their liberation from Karma, attainment of natural knowledge and perception, possession of all powers, dwelling at the apex of the universe, and being the source of auspiciousness and eternal bliss.
- Finally, it praises the Sadhus, describing them as brothers of the living beings, crossing the ocean of bad destinations, possessed of knowledge and other virtues, and embodying the principles of Jinmata.
Aaur Pachhakhana Payanna (Fasting and Renunciation Rules) (Pages 47-88):
- This section also begins with an explanation in Gujarati.
- It defines "Balpandit Maran" (child-wise death) as the death of a Jiv (soul) who has attained Samyaktva (right faith) but is still practicing Deshvirati (partial abstinence) and dies before observing complete renunciation.
- It outlines the five types of monks/nuns (Mahaavrata) and the five minor vows and seven disciplinary vows for lay followers (Anuvrata and Shikshavrata) that constitute Deshvirati.
- It explains various types of death, including Balpandit Maran, and the implications of adhering to or violating vows.
- A significant portion of this section is dedicated to the "Michchhami Dukkaḍaṁ" (I ask for forgiveness) prayer, listing numerous types of sins and transgressions committed through mind, speech, and body, and seeking forgiveness for each. These include:
  - Sins related to Mithyatva (false belief) and Asanyam (lack of self-control).
  - Sins against Dharma, Sangha, and Sadhu.
  - Sins committed against other beings with malice or causing them suffering.
  - Sins arising from anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, aversion, etc.
  - Sins related to various worldly desires and actions.
- It emphasizes the importance of sincere repentance and the contemplation of one's actions.
- The section concludes with the importance of understanding the Tattvas (realities) and adhering to the path taught by the Tirthankaras.
Stavans (Devotional Hymns) (Pages 89-258):
- This is the largest section of the book, containing numerous Stavans dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras, plus additional devotional pieces.
- Punyashekhanu Stavan (Hymn of the Light of Merit): This stavan discusses the importance of the five fundamental principles of Jainism (Jnana, Darshan, Charitra, Tap, Virya) and seeks forgiveness for transgressions related to them. It also covers the importance of the Four Refuges and refraining from sinful activities. It emphasizes the merit of good deeds and devotion.
- Char Sharan (Four Refuges): A piece dedicated to the four refuges (Arihant, Siddha, Sadhu, Dharma), highlighting their significance and the benefits of taking refuge in them.
- Padmavati Aradhana (Devotion to Padmavati): This section involves a detailed enumeration of sins committed against various life forms (earth, water, fire, air, plants, insects, animals, etc.) and seeking forgiveness. It covers the impact of actions on different life forms across multiple lifetimes.
- Stavans for each of the 24 Tirthankaras: Each Tirthankara is praised through specific hymns, often highlighting their unique virtues, life stories, and the blessings they bestow. These are composed in various poetic meters and styles. Many of these seem to be authored or compiled by Ratilal B. Shah Master or other prominent Jain scholars/poets like Anandghanji, Yashovijayji, and Padmavijayji.
- Navatatvani Stuti (Praise of the Nine Realities): A praise of the fundamental Jain Tattvas (Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksha, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala).
- Shiddhachalji Chetyavandan and Stavan: Devotional verses dedicated to the sacred pilgrimage site of Siddhachal (Palitana).
- Simandhar Swami Chetyavandan and Stavan: Devotional verses dedicated to Simandhar Swami, one of the Tirthankaras who resides in Mahavideh Kshetra.
- Beej Tithi Chetyavandan and Stavans: Devotional pieces related to specific auspicious dates or practices associated with them.
- Gyānpanchami Chetyavandan and Stavan: Devotional pieces celebrating Gyānpanchami, the day of knowledge.
- Ashtami Chetyavandan and Stavans: Devotional pieces dedicated to Ashtami (the eighth day of the lunar fortnight), highlighting the various Tirthankaras whose auspicious events (Kalyanakas) occurred on this day.
- Ekadashi Chetyavandan and Stavans: Devotional pieces related to Ekadashi, emphasizing the importance of this day in Jain practice.
- Diwali Stavans: Devotional hymns related to Diwali, often connecting it to Mahavir Swami's Nirvana.
- Gehashtak Chhand (Eight-Verse Hymn on Home): A devotional piece focusing on seeking the blessings of Gautam Swami, an important disciple of Mahavir Swami.
- Shankheshwar Parshvanath Chhand: Devotional verses in praise of Parshvanath at the pilgrimage site of Shankheshwar.
- Shol Sati Chhand (Hymn to the Sixteen Virtuous Women): Devotional verses dedicated to sixteen revered Jain women.

Overall Purpose and Tone:

The book serves as a valuable resource for Jain devotees, offering a blend of:

Biographical inspiration: The life of Manekben showcases exemplary Jain practice.
Philosophical and practical guidance: The explanations of Avashyaks and Pachchhakhana provide a framework for spiritual discipline.
Devotional expression: The numerous Stavans offer a rich collection for worship and meditation, covering various Tirthankaras and important Jain concepts.

The tone is reverential, instructive, and devotional, aiming to deepen the understanding and practice of Jainism. The compilation reflects a commitment to preserving and propagating Jain teachings and traditions.